A comparative trial of a controlled-release iron tablet preparation ('Ferrocontin' Continus) and ferrous fumarate tablets.

A single-blind, crossover comparative study was carried out in 40 patients with iron deficiency anaemia to assess the clinical efficacy and tolerance of once daily treatment with a controlled-release preparation of ferrous glycine sulphate ('Ferrocontin' Continus) and ferrous fumarate. Patients were allocated at random to receive 1 tablet (equivalent to 100 mg elemental iron) daily of one or other preparation for 4 weeks and were then crossed over to the alternative preparation for a further 4 weeks. The results showed that the significant increases in haemoglobin, packed cell volume and mean corpuscular volume were similar with both preparations. Seventeen patients reported gastro-intestinal side-effects on one or both preparations and the incidence was slightly less in patients whilst receiving the ferrous glycine sulphate preparation. In 3 patients, side-effects were sufficiently severe whilst taking ferrous fumarate to warrant interruption of treatment in 2 and withdrawal from the study in the other.